Gains for McCain in latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll — Republican presidential candidate John McCain moved from being behind by 6 points among “likely” voters a month ago to a 4-point lead over Democrat Barack Obama among that group in the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll.

Where's the Bounce? — WASHINGTON — It is a question that has hovered over Senator Barack Obama even as he has passed milestone after milestone in his race for the White House: Why is he not doing better? — It shadowed him as he struggled against Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton …

Gallup Daily: Obama 48%, McCain 40% — No further gains for Obama in latest update — PRINCETON, NJ — Barack Obama's lead over John McCain has settled back slightly to a 48% to 40% margin among registered voters in Gallup Poll Daily tracking conducted July 25-27.

Gallup/USA Today Poll: McCain +4 — This one should set the tongues wagging: … This is the first poll showing McCain with a lead over Obama since a May 1-3 Gallup/USA Today survey showed him with a slim 1 point lead. A Fox News poll at the end of April had McCain up 3.

Kaine ‘very, very high’ on VP shortlist — As Senator Barack Obama turns to the choice of his running mate, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has emerged as one of the campaign's potential finalists, sources familiar with conversations in Richmond and in Chicago said.

Kaine in ‘Serious’ Talks With Obama — Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has told close associates that he has had “very serious” conversations with Sen. Barack Obama about joining the Democratic presidential ticket and has provided documents to the campaign as it combs through his background, according to several sources close to Kaine.

Internal Justice Dept. Report Cites Illegal Hiring Practices — For nearly two years, a young political aide sought to cultivate a “farm system” for Republicans at the Justice Department, hiring scores of prosecutors and immigration judges who espoused conservative priorities and Christian lifestyle choices.

Is Anything Sacred? — Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv was lambasted for printing the note that Obama placed in the Western Wall, allegedly stolen by a Yeshiva student. “Notes which are placed in the Western Wall are between the person and his Maker; Heaven forbid that one should read them or use them in any way …

Attorney: Probe Israeli paper for printing Obama note — Attorney Shahar Alon petitioned Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz on Sunday to order police to open a criminal investigation against the editor of Ma'ariv and other correspondents from the newspaper following its publication …

Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak says he has brain tumor — Biopsy set for later today — Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak said today he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor but says that, “God willing,” he plans to be back at work soon. — Novak said he was diagnosed Sunday …

Robert Novak Hospitalized — Robert Novak was admitted yesterday to a Boston hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a written statement given to his publisher, Novak said: — “On Sunday, July 27, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I have been admitted to Brigham …

U.S. Deficit to Reach Record $490 Billion in 2009 — The U.S. budget deficit will widen to a record of about $490 billion next year, an administration official said, leaving a deep budget hole that will constrain the next president's tax and spending plans.

Transcript: ‘Response ... will be a positive one’ — Ahmadinejad welcomes ‘new behavior’ from United States, if sincere … WILLIAMS: Mr. President, I know you wanted to begin with a statement. — AHMADINEJAD: In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, a prayer for the emergence of the 12th imam.

How Important Was the Surge? — Ten Iraq experts weigh in on the effectiveness of the surge. — The past few weeks have been momentous for the national conversation about Iraq. Nouri al-Maliki's explicitly stated insistence on a timetable for American withdrawal was transformative.

McCain has spot removed, awaits biopsy — Sen. John McCain, who survived melanoma three times after suffering sun damage from his years as a Vietnam POW, said he had a spot of skin removed from his right cheek today. Doctors will perform a biopsy of the spot, AP reports.

Obama's Futile Chase For “Values” Voters — Amy Sullivan is at it again, urging, and in this case, cheering on, Obama's “reachout” to “values” voters. She thinks Obama has hit a home run. Strangely enough, an American Spectator writer agrees with her. But the funny thing is the data …